State Prosecuting Attorney of Texas

Since 1923, the State Prosecuting Attorney has been charged with representing the people of Texas before the Court of Criminal Appeals, the State's highest criminal court.  The office has assumed additional responsibility over the years, as changes and improvements have been made in the criminal justice system.  The duties of the office are set out by the Texas Legislature:

• The State Prosecuting Attorney represents the state in all proceedings before the Court of Criminal Appeals.
• The State Prosecuting Attorney may also represent the state in any stage of a criminal case before a state court of appeals if she considers it necessary for the interest of the state.
• The State Prosecuting Attorney may assist a district or a county attorney in representing the state before a court of appeals if requested to do so by the district or county attorney.
• The State Prosecuting Attorney may be assisted by a district or county attorney in representing the state before the Court of Criminal Appeals.

In carrying out these duties, the State Prosecuting Attorney and two assistant State Prosecuting Attorneys keep abreast of the latest criminal law issues and review the opinions from Texas appellate courts; submit petitions, briefs and oral argument in the cases of greatest importance to the State's criminal jurisprudence; and work closely with local district and county attorneys across the State on emerging criminal law issues. Our goal is to provide the highest level of legal advice and counsel to prosecutors and the best possible representation to the citizens of Texas.

For more information about the duties of our office, please go to our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) page.